Even Christ's disciples struggled with doubt and fear in times of trouble or uncertainty. Though they walked closely with the Savior, they were still prone to casting their focus in the wrong direction.

Just before He was about to perform the miracle of feeding the 5,000, Jesus tested Philip by asking him where to buy bread for the crowd. The disciple's response revealed that he was thinking of solving the dilemma through man's ideas and worldly means. At the same time, Andrew was busy surveying the multitude to determine how he would approach the situation. Upon finding a young boy with five loaves and two fish, he demonstrated his own limited mindset by asking, "What are these for so many people?" (John 6:9).

As was true for all of His miracles, Jesus performed this amazing feat of compassion and provision to prove who He was and always would be. And the same Christ who fed 5,000 with five loaves and two fish will act on our behalf when situations seem impossible.

In difficult times, when it seems all hope is lost, try not to assess your circumstances from a worldly perspective. Don't ask, "What am I going to do?" Rather, in a spirit of faith, simply say, "Lord, what are You going to do?" Remember, He tells us to cast all of our cares upon Him because He cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7).

Avoid attempting to engineer your circumstances. The virtues of patience, faith, and waiting upon the Lord will help you to know God's grace and to experience His love and miraculous touch in your life.